The rock and metal world has lost a significant amount of talent over the last 25 years.
If it feels like we’re losing more of the greats each year, it’s because we are. Some musicians have enjoyed very full lives and built a legacy with little left to prove, while there are also far too many younger musicians who have been taken from us far too soon.
Legends dating back to the early days of the rock era, such as Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry, have passed within the last 25 years. We’ve seen the losses of guitar heroes Eddie Van Halen and Dimebag Darrell, thunderous drummers such as Neil Peart, Joey Jordison, Taylor Hawkins, and Vinnie Paul, and powerful voices like Chester Bennington, Scott Weiland, Layne Staley, and Chris Cornell all taken from us.
READ MORE: Musicians Talking About Chris Cornell
Where would the music world be if we had more time with Dave Williams, The Rev, Riley Gale, Tom Searle, or Alexi Laiho?
While it’s sad that these artists are no longer with us, we can revisit some of their greatest works that have stood the test of time and left us with an incredible legacy.
So join us as we reflect on some of the greats of rock and metal who are no longer with us but have undoubtedly left an imprint on music that continues to resonate.
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Biggest Rock Star Deaths for Each of the Last 25 Years
As the years pass, more and more of the greats leave us. However, they also leave behind a tremendous legacy of music.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
Rockers We’ve Lost in 2025
There’s some remarkable talent that’s no longer with us, but what a legacy they left behind.
Gallery Credit: Chad Childers, Loudwire
